Summer Cycle
This summer our annual cycling event returns!
Enjoy exclusive access to the Gardens after hours - by bike!
Book now to enjoy the opportunity to cycle in the beautiful setting of Kew Gardens. This is a rare chance to experience the Gardens on two wheels. Come with your family, or bring along your friends for a unique way to soak up the lighter summer evenings.
The Temperate House will be open all evening (please park your bike outside).
Check out the entertainment map for this year's Summer Cycle.
This event is subject to our terms and conditions.
Trails on two wheels
Enjoy Kew’s themed trails on two wheels! Our recently introduced walking trails have been specially adapted for you to experience by bike.
Whether you're a fan of art and architecture, majestic trees or a peaceful ride for mindfulness and wellbeing, we've got a trail for you.
Tours
Kew experts will provide fascinating 30 minute tours throughout the evening. Tours are on a first come, first served basis.
Arboretum tours with Kevin Martin, Kew’s Head of Trees Collection. Meet at the Waterlily Pond, 6pm and 7pm.
Horticulture tours with Tom Freeth, Kew’s Head of Living Collections. Meet at Berberis Dell, 6.30pm and 7.30pm.
Bamboo Garden tours with Ray Townsend, former employee and world leading Bamboo Expert. Meet at Minka House, 6pm and 7pm.
Scavenger hunt
The hugely popular scavenger hunt is back – this time with different skill levels for everyone to enjoy.
- Easy/relaxed: A shorter and more accessible route for families with younger children
- Mid-level: This will take in a wider area of the Gardens, but not push you too hard
- Difficult: Prepare to visit the far reaches of our 330 acres – if you're up to it!
Prizes await for successful completions. Winners will also go into a prize draw to win family tickets to either Halloween at Kew or Christmas at Kew.
Entertainment, food and drink hub
Enjoy delicious shawarma and wood-fired pizza, with a full bar serving summer favourites, at our main hub behind the Temperate House - courtesy of Kew’s caterers, Company of Cooks.
Food and drinks will also be available at the Pavilion Bar and Grill.
The Victoria Plaza shop will also be open from 5pm-8pm.
At the Hub
- The Bike Doctor: standing by for speedy repairs and tune-ups
- Music Stage: Catch uplifting, high energy beats
- Richmond Cycling Campaign: for advice on local cycling initiatives and a short obstacle course for kids.
Blazing Saddles Bikes
We have an exclusive partnership with Blazing Saddles Bikes, you can pre-book a bike for hire to use during the event. Click here for further details.
There will be limited bikes to hire on the day, pre-booking is advised.
Lime Bikes
There are nearby bays to hire Lime Bikes, such as on Kew Green, but please be aware there is limited availability. It is important to be aware that you won’t be able to end a trip in Kew Gardens if using a Lime Bike.
Get 20% off
Become a member now to get exclusive discounts and unlimited visits to this and other Kew showstopping events, as well as 10% off in the shops and other benefits all year round.
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- You must bring your own bicycle - entry will not be allowed for anyone without a bike (including children).
- This is not a race in any format, it is an event for leisure and a strict speed limit (no faster than a jogging pace) must be adhered to for the comfort and enjoyment of everyone.
- Standard bikes and accessibility bikes only - no scooters or roller-skates. Power assisted and electric bikes are also welcome provided they are also kept to jogging pace.
- All children over 4 on bikes must be able to ride independently without aid from an adult.
- No adult may accompany more than four children. This adult is fully responsible for these children for the duration of the event.
- Adults wishing to bring along children under 4 years may do so providing they are secured in a BS standard child seat or trailer.
- Please stick to the designated paths and do not cycle on the grass.
- Please don't wear earphones as everyone's safety is important.
- All riders must ensure that their cycles are in a roadworthy condition, the organiser's decision shall be final as to whether a cycle is of an appropriate type or condition to be used.
- Cycling is a physical activity and can be strenuous. Riders should be in good health and any rider who has a doubt about their health or fitness, or who has a medical condition or injury that could be affected by exercise (particularly a heart condition or pregnancy), should consult their doctor before participating.
- No-one should participate in a ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs (complying with the Road Traffic Act 1988).
- The Temperate House will be open during the event, but all other Glasshouses will remain closed.